Agenda

Tuesday, June 12

6:30-9 p.m.

Registration

7-7:50 p.m.

Pre-Convention SessionSecrets of Effective Networking and Creating a Stand-out Persona (1 credit, PD)Heather Sperduto — ADP
Learn how to build stronger, deeper relationships and cut through the digital clutter as we uncover the secrets to effective networking and creating an extraordinary personal brand that will send more clients running in your direction.
Learning objectives:

Building your reputation as a center of influence online and in person

Creating a personal brand statement that is unique and relevant

Engaging contacts and referrals effectively to grow your network

Getting the most out of tradeshows — from choosing your breakout sessions to more productive conversations with vendors

Virtual and in-person attendance options will be available.

8-10 p.m.

Pre-Convention Cocktail Reception
Start your convention experience off right with early convention check-in and an evening of hors d’oeuvres, drinks and networking.

1B. Individual Tax Update (TX)Deborah A. Phillips, CPA, MST — Surgent Professional Education
In this time of significant change, your individual tax clients will be looking to you more than ever for practical planning ideas that will save them money. This session provides an overview of the latest tax law developments applicable to individual tax clients, with an emphasis on tax-saving strategies. Topics include:

1C. Aligning Budgets to Strategy — The Key to Long-Term Profitability (MT)Jay Giannantonio, CPA, MS, CIA — Executive Education, Inc.
In most organizations, strategic planning and budgeting are separate processes, making them out of alignment from their inception. This session explores a practical, real-world planning approach that aligns spending to long-term strategy, creates a culture of accountability and responsibility, and might actually be fun when everyone gets on board. The result will create a model for your organization’s future growth and profitability.

1D. Thanks for the Feedback — Lessons in Giving and Receiving Feedback (PD)Rebekah Brown, CPA — Business Learning Institute
Whether we realize it or not, we are constantly both giving and receiving feedback. We know that feedback is essential to our personal development, but we so often dread and even dismiss it. Feedback can be ill timed, unfair and downright mean, but that doesn't have to dictate our ability to use it for our own growth. Using lessons from the best-selling book Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone and Shelia Heen, learn the three types of feedback, the barriers to receiving good feedback and how we can be empowered to seek feedback for our own growth.

1E. OneNote — Mastering Organization of Your Notes and Correspondence (CS)John Higgins, CPA — CPA Crossings, LLCOneNote is rapidly becoming one of the most popular applications in the Microsoft Office and Office 365 product suites. The reason for this becomes pretty evident when you learn about all that you can do with OneNote, includingo recording and managing notes, to-do lists, meeting agendas and much, much more. This session will provide a thorough review of all of the features of OneNote so you can master them in order to organize all of your activities and communications in one central place. You will be amazed at how powerful and yet simple-to-use this application is.

New tax legislation and case law impacting S corporations, partnerships, LLCs and LLPs

New IRS regulations and pronouncements dealing with pass-through entities

Planning strategies that can be implemented this year to save business clients tax dollars

2C. Driving Performance with Metrics (MT)Jay Giannantonio, CPA, MS, CIA — Executive Education, Inc.
Do you struggle to keep budgets current in the face of an ever-changing business climate? Do you recognize that last year’s actual spending can be far from what a department’s spending should be? Twenty-first century performance metrics reduce work, reduce politics, provide flexibility and substantially improve the performance management process. This valuable session will show you how to drive organizational performance using these powerful techniques.

2D. Finding and Applying Your Strengths (SK)Rebekah Brown, CPA — Business Learning Institute
This session introduces two important strength theories, the first of which focuses on character strengths, or our “way of being,” and the second of which focuses on strength talents, or our “way of doing.” Developing an understanding of your character and talent strengths will change the way you invest yourself as well as how you build the team that surrounds you; positively impacting your results, improving the resiliency of your team and enhancing your ability to lead in a way that inspires admiration.

2E. Office 365 — Software Applications Lightning Round Review (CS)John Higgins, CPA — CPA Crossings, LLCAt last count there were over 20 unique applications available in the Office 365 bundle. These range from the traditional Office desktop applications such as Excel, PowerPoint and Word to a whole new generation of cloud-based applications such as OneDrive, SharePoint, Yammer, Delve and more. These newer cloud-based applications will help you transform to a digital business model. This session will provide a round-robin review of all of the Office 365 applications so that you will understand where they fit into your overall strategy to create digital business processes and collaborate via the cloud. You will also walk away with the knowledge necessary to determine which subscription plans are appropriate for your team members.

2F. NJCPA Leadership Training
The Nuts ‘n’ Bolts leadership session will provide practical, easy-to-follow how-tos to help you meet your NJCPA leadership responsibilities. Learn the basics of your volunteer role, whether it is how to be a responsible board member or how to operate your chapter or committee. This session, facilitated by key NJCPA staff and 2017/18 President Edward I. Guttenplan, CPA, MBA, CGMA, will provide the guidance leaders at all levels need. Topics will include motivating volunteers, communicating more effectively, sharing best practices and handling challenges. This session is required for all 2018/19 leaders. (NOTE: This session does not qualify for CPE credits.)

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Expo Hall Opens/Lunch with Sponsors and ExhibitorsSponsored by

12:05-1 p.m.

Emerging Leaders Lunch

1-2 p.m.

Opening Remarks and IssuesWatch Live: State of the Profession (1 credit, SK)Convention Facilitator Don Meyer — NJCPA Chief Marketing Officer
Outgoing NJCPA President Edward I. Guttenplan, CPA, MBA, CGMA — Wilkin & Guttenplan, P.C.
Incoming NJCPA President Sarah Krom, CPA — SKC and Co., CPAs, LLC
Ralph Albert Thomas — NJCPA CEO & Executive Director
The accounting profession is rapidly changing due to technology, regulation and the business climate. As a CPA or financial professional, it is imperative that you know where the profession is headed so you can make the necessary changes to be ready for the future.

2-3:15 p.m.

KeynoteDesigning Your Business for the 21st Century (1.5 credits, SK)Mike Walsh — CEO of Tomorrow, a global consultancy on designing business for the 21st century
Companies built to survive the future are no accident. They are a result of deliberate business design decisions smart leaders are making today. In his ongoing research on the world’s most innovative companies, Mr. Walsh has organized these decisions into seven strategic priorities that he will explore during this session. He will outline the megatrends shaping the future of business and consumer behavior and the lessons learned from successful Fortune 500 companies on leveraging disruptive innovation, adopting a data-driven mindset and leading change through digital transformation.

3:20-4:15 p.m.

Networking with Sponsors and Exhibitors/Refreshment BreakSponsored by

4:15-5:30 p.m.

KeynoteRubber-Band Resilience: How New Jersey CPAs Can Stretch without Snapping During Disruptive Events (1.5 credits, SK)Kathy Parry — corporate energy expert
Road blocks and unforeseen adversity, both personal and professional, stretch us every day. In this powerful session, Ms. Parry will share how devastating news led her on a journey to discovering the keys to thriving in the face of challenging circumstances. She will share her 3-R method for resilient behaviors: React, Reframe, Re-energize. Learn about your own “stretching” point and understand opposing reactions to change. Discover how resistance prepares you for adverse situations. Learn the secrets, tips and tactics to becoming Rubber-Band Resilient.

5:30-7 p.m.

Cocktail Reception
Head back to the expo floor to network with attendees, sponsors and exhibitors while enjoying food and drinks.
Sponsored by

3A. Soft Landings: How to Help Your Clients Plan for a Happy, Healthy and Rewarding Next-Life Stage (SK)Lise Stewart — EisnerAmper LLPRecent studies predict that approximately 65 percent of business owners in the U.S. will transition out of their business within the next five years. The rise in the number of Baby Boomers looking to leave their current positions and move into a new stage of life is posing a problem — not just for the organizations they serve, but for the individual, too, Traditional retirement is unhealthy — as witnessed by staggering bad-news statistics of dire consequences for physical and mental health. So, how does one plan effectively for this next stage of life? This session will provide practical ideas for developing an exit strategy, identifying creative alternatives, utilizing practical resources and garnering support from friends, family and co-workers alike. Leave this workshop with a list of ideas and options you can use to help your clients to both create and implement a practical plan that can serve as the foundation for a happy, secure future.

3B. Savvy Social Security Planning (TX)Eleanor Galt-Lin, CFP — Morgan Stanley Wealth Management The Social Security system can be overwhelming. Learn about the various Social Security benefits and how to create collection strategies that will help your clients maximize lifetime income. Discover how to coordinate benefits with a spouse and about the lesser-known benefits for widows and divorced individuals. Determine when it makes sense to delay benefits — and when it does not.

3C. What’s My Plan? Strategically Designing Your Future to Get Ahead (PD)Rachel L. Anevski, M.A.O.B., PHR, SHRM-CP — Matters of Management, LLC
When was the last time someone asked you where you see yourself in five years? How about three years? Let's break the crystal ball and take out all of the guess work. Learn how to design your strategic plan to move you forward in your career. Dive into your skill sets and leave with a plan that will help you advance your career goals with confidence.

4B. 2018 Tax Reform Update: Qualified Business Income Deduction (TX)Daniel L. Mellor, J.D., LL.M. — Kulzer & DiPadova, P.A. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has been hailed as the largest major tax reform in over three decades. Hear the mechanics of the new 20-percent deduction available to owners of pass-through entities. Using detailed examples, Mr. Mellor will go step-by-step through the computations every accountant will soon be required to perform for their business clients. He will identify traps and planning opportunities to make sure clients are taking maximum advantage of the new deduction. Any guidance issued by the IRS or Treasury since passage of the TCJA will also be covered.

4C. Understanding the New Lease Accounting Standard — Are We There Yet? (AA)Michael VanderGoot, CPA, CGMA — BDO USA, LLP
For public companies, the effective date of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 843), is fiscal years after Dec. 15, 2018. Do you (i) plan to issue comparative statements, (ii) have many real estate and equipment leases/contracts, and (iii) have a decentralized system for tracking these contracts? If you have not started down the road to compliance, the deadline is approaching quickly. This session will review the evolution, steps, impacts and struggles companies may encounter while preparing for implementation of the new lease accounting standard.

4D. Blockchain Technology: What Every CPA Should Know (CS)John Higgins, CPA — CPA Crossings, LLC
One of the most talked-about new technologies that has the potential to significantly disrupt the accounting industry is Blockchain. This session will bring CPAs up to speed on what Blockchain technology is all about.

How to develop a successful plan to grow professionally. Most people assume a raise or promotion is growing professionally, but that is only a byproduct of success. Learn how to develop the skills that really matter.

What makes great leaders. Are great leaders made or born? The reality is most leaders are made.Explore how to identify leadership “blind spots” and uncover and develop your leadership potential.

How firms deliver world-class service. What is the client’s “imaginary report card?” Is it the same as ours, or do they value things differently than we do? You will be surprised at how they measure outstanding service.

The power of goal setting. Goal setting is probably the number-one secret behind high performers’ success. Learn why goal setting makes a difference and how to really establish realistic and achievable goals for yourself.

Best practices of great leaders and high performers. Hear survey results from hundreds of high performers as to what caused their success. You will be surprised at some of the results.

12:15-1:45 p.m.

Lunch and Networking with Sponsors and Exhibitors

12:15-1:45 p.m.

Managing Partners Lunch

1:45-3 p.m.

KeynoteThe Loyalty Switch (1.5 credits, SK)James Kane — author and expert on loyalty
In this fascinating and highly entertaining presentation, Mr. Kane will take you on a journey into the human brain and explain the science behind true loyalty and human relationships. Building on more than 40 years of research on the subject, he will make the case that human beings have a fundamental need to be loyal and actively seek out the specific clues from others that tell them when they can and should be. When an organization, as well as an individual, is able to understand and demonstrate those loyalty-building behaviors, they can develop relationships that will last a lifetime and result in unwavering and unlimited support.

Closing Dinner and After Party (Optional Event)
Dinner hosted by newly installed NJCPA President Sarah Krom, CPA, of SKC and Co., CPAs, LLC. Immediately following dinner, join us in Premier Nightclub for drinks and entertainment.
Sponsored by

Friday, June 15

8-10:10 a.m.

Breakfast and Business Update: New Jersey Business and Economic Roundtable (2 credits, SK)Thomas Byrne Jr. — Chair, New Jersey State Investment Council
Jack M. Ciattarelli — Former State Assemblyman
Senator Steven V. Oroho — New Jersey Senator
Senator Paul A. Sarlo — New Jersey Senator
Sponsored by
This roundtable will discuss key economic issues facing businesses and individuals in New Jersey. Find out what the public and private sectors need to do know in order to make New Jersey an attractive place to live and do business in the 21st century and beyond.

10:10-10:30 a.m.

Break

10:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m.

Post-Convention Boot Camp (2 credits)

5A. How to Implement the New Revenue Recognition Standard (AA)Frank R. Boutillette, CPA, CGMA, ABV — WithumSmith+BrownThe new revenue recognition standard touches every entity (public and private, including not-for-profit entities) that reports under U.S. GAAP and will require CPAs to reexamine the underlying economics of large numbers of established business practices. Get an in-depth understanding of the framework for revenue recognition built around the core principle that is applied in a five-step process to help you implement the new standard for your clients or organization.

5B. How to Navigate an IRS Offer in Compromise: A Case Study (TX)E. Martin Davidoff, CPA, Esq. — E. Martin Davidoff & Associates
This comprehensive workshop takes participants on a hands-on journey through the entire IRS Offer in Compromise (OIC) process, including how to effectively complete the appropriate financial disclosure package for individuals. The program will provide you with skills that will enable you to:

Compute Reasonable Collection Potential (RCP) for OICs in light of the rules established in 2012 and updated forms as of March 2017.

Determine acceptable Installment Agreement levels.

Determine whether a taxpayer qualifies for Currently Not Collectible status.

Advise clients regarding pre-submission planning for OICs.

Understand the practical considerations in collection cases.

5C. How to Succeed in Business and Life: Lessons from My Grandfather (PD)Marc C. Demetriou, CLU, ChFC — Residential Home Funding Corp.
This session offers an inspirational and actionable roadmap for building both business and personal success based on key principles articulated by Mr. Demetriou’s grandfather, who emigrated to this country with nothing but his courage, wit, a strong work ethic and the desire to succeed., Learn how he achieved great personal and professional success. This session (and the book, Lessons from My Grandfather; Wisdom for Success in Business and Life) will help you build recognition, clarity and vision with regard to who you are, recognize your unique talents, and learn the lifelong principles that will allow you to use your unique qualities to achieve the success you deserve in life and business.

5D. How to Mitigate Cyber Security Risks (CS)Michael Markulec – Harbor Technology Group
This session prepares members of the board, senior executives and management to understand, assess and take a proactive approach to manage cybersecurity risk. Investigate risk assessment and management frameworks that help mitigate the risks, as well as identify potential security gaps. Learn how to best position your organization to address cyber security threats, from the proper risk management framework, to governance, to the use of cyber-insurance.